How many different diseases exist, so many ways to treat them can be found. People from ancient times, when the development of medicine was very far from the modern level, used all sorts of ways to cope with their sores.
The emergence and development of hirudotherapy
Since ancient times, people have been interested in various methods of treatment. So, unexpectedly for himself, a certain Nikander from Colophonia discovered that little leech vampires have a healing effect on humans. This doctor is from Ancient Greece and is considered the founder of the science of hirudotherapy. Hirudina translated from Latin - leech. Since then, this science has more and more found its recognition.
This method of treatment was used in many countries - this is Ancient Egypt, India, China. This confirmation can be found on the frescoes found in the tombs. The works of ancient healers such as Hippocrates, Avicenas and Galen also contain references to leech treatment. Even the famous artist Botticelli painted a picture in which the process of hirudotherapy is clearly visible. This once again underlines the popularity of the method in those days.
We will try to figure out what the harm and benefits of leeches are, and how they are used in medicine.
In the modern world, this science does not stand still and is in great demand. Scientists are constantly studying what the harm and benefits of leeches are, and make more and more discoveries in this area.
A bit about this worm
Leech refers to annelids. The Leech subclass has about four hundred species. The largest number of them lives in ponds, rivers - where there is fresh water. The name "leech" comes from the verb "drink." And in many languages it sounds almost the same.
It would seem an ordinary worm, but no. Leeches have their own character. Not everyone will be able to establish contact with them to work together. For medical purposes, leeches are grown in special biofactories. Due to the capriciousness of these worms, a trial period is provided for employees. Only a positive person with patience, love and attention can cope with a capricious worm. They feel malevolence in their small body and may even become ill or die.
So, not everyone can be a hirudotherapist because of the special nature of the leech. It is necessary to use hirudotherapy very carefully, given that the harm and benefits of leeches will affect your health.
What is the healing effect of a leech
All the most valuable in a leech is contained in saliva. It consists of biologically active components. But a very important place belongs to the hirudin. It dilutes blood, and this helps prevent heart attacks, thrombosis and strokes.
It also contains enzymes that help dissolve unnecessary formations in the body. These are cysts, stones, polyps, scars, adhesions and, of course, salts. Something disappears altogether, and something becomes less dense and is already easier to treat with traditional medicines. We learn more and more about leech treatment , contraindications, the benefits and harms of these healing worms.
How does the hirudotherapy treatment procedure go?
First of all, the patient should be examined. It is necessary to pass all the tests. After that, the hirudotherapist determines the acupuncture points in accordance with the disease. Then he puts a leech on this place. She sits without moving or takes herself a suitable place for her. A leech pierces the skin, and the saliva of this small creature begins to flow into the human body.
In turn, a leech sucks stagnant blood with a large amount of toxins. This procedure lasts for 30-40 minutes. As soon as the leech is full, it disappears or it is carefully removed. Acupuncture points are changed at each session to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
Use leeches with caution. A wound appears at the puncture site, which usually bleeds for a few more days. A sterile dressing must be applied. Perhaps there will be a bruise. This is an indicator that the hirudotherapy process was successful, and the body received a dose of useful biological substances. We draw several conclusions about the effect of hirudotherapy on the human body.
- Reflexogenic . Leech affects skin receptors.
- Mechanical It pierces the skin of a person.
- Painful . The patient feels pain.
- Chemical . There is an infusion of healing saliva.
- Hemorrhage . A leech sucks slagged blood.
The beneficial effect of leeches on the body
The harm and benefits of leeches, their effect on the body for a single person, must be taken into account when prescribing hirudotherapy to a patient.
Consider the benefits of these little doctors.
- The movement of lymph through the vessels at the site of inflammation or a diseased organ is restored.
- Microcirculation of blood in the capillaries comes to normal due to the fact that hirudin has an anticoagulant and antithrombotic effect.
- Immunity is stimulated.
- Leech has an antimicrobial effect. It secretes along with saliva a substance that kills microbes.
- The inflammatory process is removed.
- The drainage function improves and due to this the swelling is relieved.
- Leeches act as an anesthetic.
- Improve the work of the neuroendocrine system.
- Counteract atherosclerosis.
- Charge with energy and influence regeneratively.
- Local immunity is made to work.
What diseases can be treated with hirudotherapy
Many diseases can be treated with leeches. We will name some of them.
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
- Various skin problems.
- Allergic asthma.
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Neurological diseases.
- Urological and gynecological diseases.
- Diseases of the endocrine system.
- Diseases of the ears and eyes.
- Used in cosmetology.
- Overweight treatment.
There are two aspects to using a leech - benefit and harm. The patient loses weight after a similar procedure, it is good and beneficial for the body as a whole. But there are always pitfalls in any treatment method.
Contraindications for the treatment of leeches
Like any drug, and leeches have both contraindications and side effects. It is worth considering using leeches: the benefits and harms of hirudotherapy can significantly affect your health.
In which cases treatment with leeches is not recommended:
- If you have hemophilia.
- During pregnancy.
- Hypotension.
- Immunodeficiency conditions.
- In case of infectious diseases, fever.
- In case of poisoning.
- Anemia.
- Oncological diseases.
Side effects of hirudotherapy are mainly associated with allergic reactions to leeches. If you are interested in the question of whether there is harm from medical leeches, then it is necessary to discuss all contraindications and side effects with a doctor.
Infection is possible at the puncture site if hygiene is not observed. Probably swollen lymph nodes. Pressure decreases due to incessant bleeding as a result of improper placement of leeches. The most serious is anaphylactic shock.
A few words for those who decided to be treated independently
The harm and benefits of leeches must be known to the person conducting the procedure. If you decide to independently conduct a hirudotherapy session, then you need to consider some of the nuances:
- Treatment is carried out only by medical pharmacist leeches.
- Consult a hirudotherapist.
- You need to know your exact diagnosis and whether you are allergic to leeches.
- For a session, you can use only healthy and hungry leeches.
- Leech is used only once.
- Before the session it is forbidden to use perfumes, creams, scented soaps. They also do not tolerate the smell of tobacco and may refuse to cooperate.
- If you are doing this for the first time, limit yourself to one leech, and in subsequent times use no more than six.
- A hirudotherapy session is best done in the evening.
- To achieve a lasting positive result during treatment, you must follow a diet.
If you follow these simple rules, you can not be afraid that hirudotherapy will do more harm than good.